Master of Development Studies (097AB) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

To be considered for entry into this course, applicants must:

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) in any discipline with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 70%, or equivalent.

Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and subject-specific criteria are based on the University of Melbourne’s grading standards and subjects. If studies are from elsewhere, we’ll assess the grades and subjects against University of Melbourne equivalents. This means that the final WAM may be adjusted depending on the previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

All degree levels referenced align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national policy guide for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. Applications will be assessed against these standards.

English language requirement

Applicants must satisfy the University's English language requirements. Level 1 English scores are required for this course.

Selection methodology

When assessing and, where relevant, ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance
• Relevance of previous study.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry and English language requirements does not guarantee selection.

Advanced standing information

Applicants with the following may be awarded  50 points of credit (entry to the 150 point program):

• a bachelor degree (AQF7)  in a cognate (relevant) discipline with a weighted average mark of at least 70%, or equivalent, or
• a bachelor degree (AQF7)  in any discipline with a weighted average mark of at least 70% or equivalent, and at least one year of documented, relevant work experience.

Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: Development, International Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Human Geography, Indigenous Studies, Postcolonial Studies, Human Rights, Gender studies, History (social), and Social Work.

Work experience relevant to this course may include hands-on work in the development sector.

Applicants with the following may be awarded  100 points of credit (entry to the 100 point program):

• a bachelor honours degree (AQF8) in a cognate (relevant) discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least 70%, or equivalent, or
• a bachelor degree (AQF7)  in a cognate (relevant) discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least 70%, or equivalent, and two years of documented, relevant work experience.

Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: Anthropology, Criminology, Development Studies, Economics, Gender Studies, History (Social), Human Geography, Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, International Politics, Law, Postcolonial Studies, Sociology, and Social Work.

Work experience relevant to this course may include hands-on work in the development/international aid sector.  Please note this is not a complete list of possible disciplines and work experience. Relevance is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants seeking credit for relevant work experience must document their experience with a brief curriculum vitae detailing the experience, contact details of two referees who can confirm the authenticity and nature of the experience claimed, and a covering letter that explains how the experience is relevant to the program and prepares them for it.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005) and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF127). For the purposes of considering requests for reasonable adjustments, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the overview, attributes, outcomes and skills of this entry. Further details about how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

 

Last updated: 9 March 2026